What did I see on the Bocas del Toro/Boquete highway?

[Dale Thomas]

Between Bocas del Toro and Boquete, I think it was still on the Caribbean side of the cordillera, I saw a large fenced-in facility very close to the highway (it was on my right as I was headed to Boquete).  It had many buildings and appeared deserted.    If there were signs, I did not see them.

What did I see?  What was the facility for?  A small military base?  A detention facility?  A private school/university?

[Dale Thomas]

Ah...   That would make sense.

[Sandy Kuns]

There is a dam visible from the bus that runs along the highway to and from Boquete/David.  

[Keith Woolford]

If this is the complex, I never realized it was so big.

http://www.google.com/mapmaker?ll=8.629638,-82.214803&spn=0.006...

[Dale Thomas]

Keith, you must have found it!  The color of the buildings and the front gate look right, but obviously we are not looking at it from the same perspective as someone in a passing vehicle.  It is a huge complex!  From the highway, the photo suggests that we only see about 100-125 meters of it.  It extends so far back from the highway.  Amazing! 

[Dale Thomas]

I think you mean "Àrea Cincuenta y Uno".  LOL

[BocasdelToro]

Sadly I forget what I was told it was for. Some type of training, and apart from being guarded I have never seen anyone since the late 90's! 

[Thomas Bonham]

It was a push button. They always appear deserted.  They are supposed to look that way.  You missed the small sign that says, "Beverly Hills Gardens".  How long have you been in Panama by the way?

[Sandy Kuns]

I hope you find out what the facility really is. 

[Dale Thomas]

It will probably turn out to be Central America's largest drunk tank.   LOL

Still got my nose in books, Sandy.  Keeps me out of trouble.

[Sandy Kuns]

Good!  Books and the Superman movie!